(A) An Animal Control Officer or law enforcement member may immediately seize, impound, or confine any of the following animals:
(1) Any dog or cat without a valid license tag;
(2) Any animal running at large;
(3) Any animal constituting a public nuisance;
(4) Any unattended animal that is ill, injured, or otherwise in need of care;
(5) Any unattended animal that is reasonably believed to have been abused or neglected;
(6) Any animal that is reasonably suspected of having rabies;
(7) Any animal charged with being dangerous or determined to be dangerous by the Animal Control Officer; and/or
(8) Any animal that is considered unattended or abandoned, as in situations where the owner is deceased, has been arrested or evicted from his or her regular place of residence.
(B) If any dangerous, ferocious, or vicious animal is found at large and cannot be safely impounded, an animal may be tranquilized, slain, or humanely euthanized to prevent harm or undue suffering by a law enforcement member, an Animal Control Officer, or humane officer.
(C) Impounded dogs and cats that are not properly licensed must be kept pursuant to regulations of the St. Joseph County Humane Society.
(D) The town animal control agency shall have authority to take whatever action is reasonably necessary, including humane euthanization, to deal with a sick or injured animal, for the welfare of the animal and for the safety of humane officers and the public.
(E) Nothing contained herein shall limit the animal shelter’s authority to take whatever action is reasonably necessary to provide veterinary care by a licensed veterinarian for a sick or injured animal.
(F) Any animal impounded in an animal control facility, if not reclaimed by its owner as provided for herein, shall thereby become the property of the animal control agency and, if not adopted by the public, shall be humanely euthanized.
(G) An animal’s owner shall be liable for any expenses, including veterinary services, incurred by the local humane society, animal care facility, animal shelter, or any other agency under this chapter.
And. Ord. 3105, passed 10-5-1987)